SSPL
We shall bounce back after defeat in the League – Coach Ibrahim Hussein
The head coach of EL Merriekh SC Bentiu, Ibrahim Hussein has promised that after suffering their first defeat on Sunday, the team will bounce back to winning ways in the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League.
EL Merriekh SC Bentiu suffered it’s first defeat going down 2-0 to Kator FC in a match played on Sunday at the Juba National Stadium.
The defeat saw EL Merriekh SC Bentiu remain with 13 points from six matches played and dropped to 4th place on the table behind Kator FC, Jamus SC and Malakia FC.
But head coach Ibrahim Hussien has called on the players to keep working hard because there are many more matches to be played. “We need to remain focused to be able to get positive results in the other matches to come. The defeat to Kator is a wake-up call and we must work hard and improve,” says the head coach.
The coach made it clear that although they have managed to score 21 goals from six matches played, the team still has to improve on several areas including the defending.
Forward Nelson Victor netted a late goal to earn El Merriekh SC Bentiu a 2-2 draw against Munuki FC in the opening match of the 2026/2027 South Sudan Premier League
Keer Mangar gave the reigning champions an early lead in a match played at the Buluk ground on August 22nd.
But Stephen Abe leveled matters for Munuki FC. Jose Kuch increased Munuki’s lead as they took a 2-1 half time lead.
After the interval El Merriekh SC Bentiu team made several raids in the Munuki FC goal mouth before eventually finding the equalizer.
The reigning champions will return to action against Super Stars FC on August 29th, and later focus on their CAF Champions League first Preliminary round match against Somalia’s Heegan FC.
SSPL
Munuki SC stand in El Merriekh SC Bentiu’s way in 2026/2027 South Sudan Premier League kick-off
The 2026/2027 South Sudan Premier League officially kicks off on August 22nd, 2026.
Defending champions El Merriekh SC Bentiu will take on new comers Munuki SC in the opening match at the Buluk playground. The Premier League fixtures were released by the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) on Tuesday.
After failing to win the Super Cup last week, the reigning champions will be all out to try and with a big win to send a strong message and start with good momentum.
Munuki SC earned promotion to the South Sudan Premier League in May this year after defeating El Maderia FC 2-0 in the play-off for qualification.
Head Coach Jean Claude Loboko has maintained that it will be good to make a positive start to the Premier League with a good result. “We had pre-season in Uganda and have played several matches already. Now is the time to concentrate on the Premier League as we also prepare for the CAF Champions League,” added Loboko.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu will take on another new comer Super Star FC in their second Premier League tie on August 29th.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu head coach Ibrahim Hussein has been voted best manager of the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League.
Hussein was awarded after the final match on Saturday at the Juba National Stadium. The calm tactician who has also handled teams in Sudan was recognized for his tactical acumen and leadership.
Other El Merriekh SC Bentiu players who received Awards include; Sampi Ousimane (Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Daniel Magot (Goalkeeper of the season).
The season’s outstanding players and coaches received Awards from the sponsors MTN South Sudan.
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